Emma explains: “Participating in a charity walk is probably not how most 18 year olds would choose to celebrate a birthday, but for me this is very important.

"Last year I was diagnosed with depression and it was an extremely difficult time in my life. For that reason I was unable to do anything to properly celebrate my 18 birthday.

“I have received so much support from my friends and family in the last year and by participating in the AWARE Mood Walk, I am able to bring everyone together in a bid to stamp out the stigma that’s still associated with depression."

Earlier this year, Emma, a student at Aquinas Grammar School, released a video to mark Mental Health Awareness week, to tell her story to help educate and inform people about how to talk to someone with an illness, that people can still find very difficult to talk about.

After being diagnosed with depression at the age of 17, Emma found that her family and friends were keen to offer her support but found the subject difficult to approach.

“Through my battle with depression it became apparent that everyone around me wanted to help, but they just didn't know how,” said Emma.

“It is completely understandable and I don't have a problem with that, but maybe it's time to address it."

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By uploading the video on a public forum Emma helped to generate a discussion around how to talk to someone with depression in an appropriate and sympathetic manner.

Emma said: "Now that we have ended some of the stigma associated with depression and we are ready to talk, we need to talk openly about what each individual finds offensive or difficult to listen to, which topics we struggle with and which we don't. And that’s just the sufferers' role.

“To the supporters we need to refine our emotional intelligence and be aware, but not scared, of the difficult conversation topics. Each and everyone one of us, sufferers and supporters, need to be aware of what we are talking about and how we say it.”

If you would like to participate in the AWARE Mood Walk on Friday 17 June at the Mary Peter’s Track., there is still time to register.